[Indications of GnRH agonist therapy during childhood]

Precocious pubertal development is frequent and requires rigorous investigations to avoid unnecessary treatment. Central precocious puberty is by far the most frequent form and raises the issue of GnRH agonist therapy. It is essential first to determine if pubertal development is truly precocious, as there is currently a downwards trend in the average age of normal onset. The mechanism needs to be identified In particular, increased gonadotropin secretion must be documented in central precocious puberty. It is also essential to recognize non progressive forms of precocious puberty, which have an excellent prognosis and should not be treated. Long-acting GnRH agonists are indicated for proven central precocious puberty. Their use and long-term results are discussed.